You might not have realized it, but the days are indeed getting longer, and the temperature’s slowly inching upwards. That’s because summer is just around the corner!
Just think: the birds outside your window, the morning sun rising above the treeline, your favourite nook bathed in afternoon light…you can almost feel it now!
Although we can’t make summer come any sooner, we can help you make the most of it! Here are 7 great things you can start doing right now to get your home ready for the summer so you can enjoy the season to its fullest!
1. Tidy Your Garden Beds and Start Planting!
It’s time to dust off your spade and put on your gardening gloves! If you love being surrounded by nature, this little job is going to be just your cup of tea.
Late spring is the perfect time to clear dead leaves from your garden and touch up any rough edges around the beds. From there, you can start tilling the top inch or two of tightly-packed soil (be careful not to disturb any bulbs nestled below.) Finish it off by applying two to three inches of mulch.
Haven’t got a garden? You can still take advantage of that soon-to-be summer sun and brighten your kitchen with a herb garden. This bright addition will breathe new life into your kitchen – not to mention adding a taste of the season to your summer meals!
2. Patch Cracks in the Driveway
After the winter, your driveway could be in desperate need of some TLC! Sweeping away debris and patching up cracks will go a long way in making your driveway safer and tidier. If you’ve got the time, you can go one step further and apply a sealer to have your driveway looking immaculate in the summer.
3. Clear Out the Gutters and Inspect the Roof for Winter Damage
Here’s how to make sure that summer rains are soothing, not stressful! First, if you have the know-how and equipment to do it safely, clear out all the leaves, sticks and other gunk that have accumulated in your gutters over winter. Now’s also a good time to inspect your roof for curling, cracked, or missing shingles, along with any damage to the metal flashing around the chimney, pipes, and skylights.
If you can’t do the job yourself, you can always inspect your roof from across with street using a pair of binoculars. You can also look into booking a roofer when the time is right.
4. Deep Clean Your BBQ
You don’t need to wait until summer to fire up the grill! A quick but thorough scrub-down will get your BBQ clean and ready for juicy burgers, crispy tacos, and perfectly-grilled veggies.
Before you get started, set your BBQ to high heat and let it run for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to scrape off any gunk that’s been sitting inside the cook box. From there, disconnect the BBQ and let the grill cool completely so you can remove and wash the grates, burners, and drip tray.
While you’re at it…is winter really over until you’re sipping drinks on the patio? It’s time to bring your patio furniture out of hibernation! Or, if you desire a change of scenery, investigate creative ideas to freshen things up.
5. Give Your Home an Exterior Touch-up
Tired of looking at the paint peeling on your deck, fence or siding? Time to break out that leftover paint cans and give these areas a touch-up!
You aren’t just making your home feel cleaner and newer – you’re also protecting the wood from mould and rot. These spring touch-ups can save you from the financial headache of repairs down the road.
6. Prepare Your Air Conditioner
The first truly hot day of summer isn’t too off – and when the day comes, you don’t want to find your air conditioner out of commission! Now’s a good time to change out the filter and do a few basic checks to make sure your system is in good working order. This proactive step will help ensure your home is cozy and comfortable as the weather turns warm.
7. Clean All Your Windows and Door Screens
Natural light can do wonders for your health and well-being! Scrub your windows squeaky-clean today to make the most of the season to come.
On a cloudy day, fill up one bucket with a cup of vinegar and another with a cup of ammonia. Then, combine one bucket with a gallon of hot water and the other with warm water. From there, scrub your windows with the vinegar-ammonia blend initially, followed by the warm water, before drying with a squeegee.
These tips will help you turn your home into a summertime haven! To learn more about building a home all your own, contact us by email or call us at 1-800-265-3083.